The Arturo Fuente Short Story Maduro is not your typical cigar. Originally, only 200 cigars were given out at the 1999 and 2002 Cigar Family Celebrations combined. Surprisingly, the Short Story Maduro was shown at the 2011 International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Convention (IPCPR) earlier this month. Keeping with tradition, Arturo Fuente is only releasing 1,000 boxes of the cigar to select retailers that purchased twenty or more boxes of Arturo Fuente cigars at the trade show.

The Short Story has a very dark brown blemish-free maduro wrapper with a light tooth.The wrapper leaf is beautiful and absolutely free of any noticeable veins. A graceful taper toward the head along with the pressed nipple foot give this diminutive cigar an elegant figuration. Yielding only very slightly to a gentle squeeze, it is evident that this Hemingway is rolled tightly and evenly. The prelight aroma is a dusty chocolate.

The flawless draw on this perfecto facilitated a well-defined harmony of flavors. This cigar is characterized by its dominant slightly sweet and creamy flavors. Other flavors include hints of earthy chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, and nuts. The Hemingway is smooth, well balanced, and refined; however, it is conspicuously lacking some complexity.

With a smoking time of just under an hour, the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story Maduro provided a refreshing set of distinct flavors well worth the modest cost. Get them while you can as a limited number are being released.